HC Deb 25 July 1955 vol 544 cc809-11
32. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Health what discussions are taking place with the United States Government with a view to reciprocal arrangements being made for the provision of medical or hospital treatment for British subjects visiting the United States of America.

Mr. Iain Macleod

No discussions are taking place, since the health services of the United States do not offer any suitable common basis for reciprocal arrangements.

Sir F. Medlicott

Is it not a little out of balance that the large number of American visitors to this country, whom we all warmly welcome, receive these advantages, whereas the smaller number of British visitors to America do not have comparable facilities? Would it not be possible to have discussions with the object of reviewing the matter?

Mr. Macleod

It may be difficult. If one is to have reciprocal arrangements, one must have something that one can be reciprocal with. Medical and hospital treatment in the United States are on a private footing. While that position remains it is a little difficult to do anything.

33. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Minister of Health what proposals he has for providing financial assistance for British subjects who have occasion to receive medical or hospital treatment when visiting foreign countries with whom no reciprocal arrangements exist complementary to the British Health Service.

Mr. Iain Macleod

It is the Government's policy wherever possible to negotiate reciprocal arrangements with foreign countries in respect of social services, including medical care; but it would not be practicable to refund directly the cost of medical treatment received abroad by people normally living in this country.

Sir F. Medlicott

Is it not a little unfair that the British taxpayer has to bear the cost of treatment afforded to foreign visitors? Is there no hope of persuading more countries to follow the excellent lead that we have given in this respect?

Mr. Shinwell

Given by a Labour Government.

Mr. Macleod

Somebody has to lead in this matter. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] I have not the power under the Acts to carry out the suggestions made in my hon. Friend's Question and, as I think the House would agree, it would be impossible to use public money for such a purpose because it would not be possible to check the standard of treatment given or whether the charges made were reasonable. But as countries come to have systems which are even remotely comparable with ours, so can we begin to have reciprocal arrangements.

Mr. D. Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have recently sent him particulars of cases relating to British seamen who have found it necessary to have medical and surgical treatment in foreign ports and have had to pay for it despite the fact that they are taxpayers and ratepayers in this country? Will the right hon. Gentleman see whether it is possible to make arrangements for captains of foreign-going vessels to meet the cost of such treatment in foreign countries and be refunded when they return to this country?

Mr. Macleod

I will certainly look at the cases which the hon. Member has in mind, but I am still governed by the fact that under the Act, I have no such powers as are suggested.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

Has my right hon. Friend seen a list of interim agreements arrived at by all the nations which form the Council of Europe, not only in relation to old-age pensions but to sickness and the facilities made available.in each of those fifteen countries? Do they not go a long way towards bringing about exactly what my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, Central (Sir F. Medlicott), is asking for and what my right hon. Friend is dealing with in his replies?

Mr. Macleod

I want to see these reciprocal arrangements made, as I am sure everybody does. We have a great number already, for example, in the case of insurance, which in many ways is a similar problem. We have arrangements with some countries for medical care. Where there is any arrangement in the country concerned which enables us to come to an agreement, I am more than happy to do so, but such arrangements cannot be wholly one-sided.